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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on MgSi(HO2)2 by Materials Project

MgSiO2(OH)2 is Pb(Zr_(1-x)Ti_x)O3-derived structured and crystallizes in the monoclinic Pm space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Mg2+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted MgO6 octahedra that share corners with eight equivalent SiO6 octahedra and edges with two equivalent MgO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 50–57°. There are a spread of Mg–O bond distances ranging from 2.00–2.20 Å. Si4+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form SiO6 octahedra that share corners with eight equivalent MgO6 octahedra and edges with two equivalent SiO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 50–57°. There are a spread of Si–O bond distances ranging from 1.71–1.94 Å. There are two inequivalent H1+ sites. In the first H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a linear geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.05 Å) and one longer (1.50 Å) H–O bond length. In the second H1+ site, H1+ is bonded in a linear geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.06 Å) and one longer (1.44 Å) H–O bond length. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted rectangular see-saw-like geometry to two equivalent Mg2+, one Si4+, and one H1+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Mg2+, two equivalent Si4+, and one H1+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two equivalent Mg2+, one Si4+, and one H1+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 4-coordinate geometry to one Mg2+, two equivalent Si4+, and one H1+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Materials Data on HfTi(PbO3)2 by Materials Project

HfTi(PbO3)2 is Pb(Zr_(1-x)Ti_x)O3-derived structured and crystallizes in the tetragonal I4mm space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Hf4+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted HfO6 octahedra that share corners with six equivalent TiO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 0–17°. There are a spread of Hf–O bond distances ranging from 1.95–2.38 Å. Ti4+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form distorted TiO6 octahedra that share corners with six equivalent HfO6 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 0–17°. There are a spread of Ti–O bond distances ranging from 1.84–2.26 Å. Pb2+ is bonded in a 12-coordinate geometry to eight O2- atoms. There are a spread of Pb–O bond distances ranging from 2.57–2.90 Å. There are three inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Hf4+, one Ti4+, and two equivalent Pb2+ atoms. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Hf4+, one Ti4+, and four equivalent Pb2+ atoms. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted linear geometry to one Hf4+, one Ti4+, and four equivalent Pb2+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1986

The SIMRAND 1 computer program: Simulation of research and development projects

The SIMRAND I Computer Program (Version 5.0 x 0.3) written in Microsoft FORTRAN for the IBM PC microcomputer and its compatibles is described. The SIMRAND I Computer Program comprises eleven modules-a main routine and ten subroutines. Two additional files are used at compile time; one inserts the system or task equations into the source code, while the other inserts the dimension statements and common blocks. The SIMRAND I Computer Program can be run on most microcomputers or mainframe computers with only minor modifications to the computer code.

Miles, R. F., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy on nonequilibrium systems (Final Report)

The goal of the project has been to theoretically investigate a wide variety of problems related to the use of X-ray spectroscopy in materials science to enhance the impact of the science done at DOE’s user facilities. The focus has generally been on obtaining a deeper understand of new types of X-ray spectroscopy and to provide support for experimentalist working in these fields.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1989

DSN 70-meter antenna microwave optics design and performance improvements. Part 1: Design optimization

The design optimizations associated with the microwave and structural upgrade of the DSN 64-m antennas are discussed. Expected area efficiency/gain performances at S- and X-band are given for both the original 64-m systems and the upgraded 70-m systems, and error estimates are developed. The DSN 70-m Upgrade Project specifications, based on predesign estimates, were 1.4-dB gain at S-band and 1.9-dB at X-band, with no degradation to critical receiving system noise temperatures. The measurements show an S-band gain increase of 1.9 dB and an average increase of 2.1 dB at X-band. The Project also delivered small receiving system noise decreases at both frequency bands. The three DSN 70-m antennas, in the initial state of mechanical adjustment as of the end of calendar year 1988, are performing with very high peak microwave area efficiencies at very nearly the engineering design expectations of 76 percent at S-band and 71 percent at X-band.

Bathker, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1999

KWIC: A Widefield Mid-Infrared Array Camera/Spectrometer for the KAO

The Kuiper Widefield Infrared Camera (KWIC) is an imaging spectrometer designed for use on the Kuiper Airborne Observator between 18 and 40 microns. The spectral resolution achieving devices are two fully tunable and scanning cryogenic Fabry-Perot interferometers that employ free standing metal mesh as the reflective surfaces. The detective device is a 128 x 128 pixel Si:Sb BIB array manufactured by Rockwell/Boeing for the SIRTF project. The plate scale for KWIC (one pixel subtends 2.73" x 2.73") was chosen so as to more than fully sample the KAO beam (approximately 9" at 31.5 microns), to enable effective image restoration techniques to be applied. Even so, KWIC has a rather large (5.8' x 5.8') field of view. KWIC has both high and low spectral resolution modes that are interchangeable in a few minutes time in flight on the KAO. The high resolution (R = lambda/(delta)lambda = 1000 to 6000) mode is suitable for detecting weak lines in the presence of strong continuum for Galactic sources, and for resolving broad extragalactic lines. The low resolution (R approximately 30 to 100) mode is suitable for imaging in the thermal dust continuum.

Stacey, Gordon J.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Variations in the X-ray Intensity of the Solar Corona and Heating of the Coronal Plasma in the Context of the Quantum Theory of Photon Pairs

Data obtained in the framework of the INTERBALL–Tail Probe (1995–2000) and RHESSI (from 2002 to the present) projects have revealed variations in the X-ray intensity of the solar corona in the photon energy range of 2−15 keV during the period of the quiet Sun. Previously, a hypothesis was proposed that this phenomenon could be associated with the effect of coronal heating. In the present study, a new mechanism of coronal plasma heating is proposed on the basis of the experimental data and the quantum theory of photon pairs that are produced from vacuum in the course of the Universe’s expansion. A similar mechanism based on the splitting of photon pairs in the interplanetary and intergalactic space is also proposed to explain the observed microwave background radiation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Application of Lean Thinking Principles and Kaizen Practices for the Successful Development and Implementation of the Ares I-X Flight Test Rocket and Mission

On October 28, 2009 the Ares I-X flight test rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center and flew its suborbital trajectory as designed. The mission was successfully completed as data from the test, and associated development activities were analyzed, transferred to stakeholders, and well documented. Positive lessons learned from Ares I-X were that the application of lean thinking principles and kaizen practices are effective in streamlining development activities. Ares I-X, like other historical rocket development projects, was hampered by technical, cost, and schedule challenges and if not addressed boldly could have resulted in cancellation of the test. The mission management team conducted nine major meetings, referred to as lean events, across its elements to assess plans, procedures, processes, requirements, controls, culture, organization, use of resources, and anything that could be changed to optimize schedule or reduce risk. The preeminent aspect of the lean events was the focus on value added activities and the removal or at least reduction in non-value activities. Trained Lean Six Sigma facilitators assisted the Ares I-X developers in conducting the lean events. They indirectly helped formulate the mission s own unique methodology for assessing schedule. A core team was selected to lead the events and report to the mission manager. Each activity leveraged specialized participants to analyze the subject matter and its related processes and then recommended alternatives and solutions. Stakeholders were the event champions. They empowered and encouraged the team to succeed. The keys to success were thorough preparation, honest dialog, small groups, adherence to the Ares I-X ground rules, and accountability through disciplined reporting and tracking of actions. This lean event formula was game-changing as demonstrated by the success of Ares I-X. It is highly recommended as a management tool to help develop other complex systems efficiently. The key benefits for Ares I-X were obtaining unambiguous schedule margin, defining enabling options for risk reduction, and most importantly a stronger more unified team.

Askins, B. R.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Application of Lean Thinking Principles and Kaizen Practices for the Successful Development and Implementation of the Ares I-X Flight Test Rocket and Mission

On October 28, 2009 the Ares I-X flight test rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center and flew its suborbital trajectory as designed. The mission was successfully completed as data from the test, and associated development activities were analyzed, transferred to stakeholders, and well documented. A positive lesson learned from Ares I-X was that the application of lean thinking principles and kaizen practices was very effective in streamlining development activities. Ares I-X, like other historical rocket development projects, was hampered by technical, cost, and schedule challenges and if not addressed boldly could have resulted in cancellation of the test. The mission management team conducted nine major meetings, referred to as lean events, across its elements to assess plans, procedures, processes, requirements, controls, culture, organization, use of resources, and anything that could be changed to optimize schedule or reduce risk. The preeminent aspect of the lean events was the focus on value added activities and the removal or at least reduction in non-value added activities. Trained Lean Six Sigma facilitators assisted the Ares I-X developers in conducting the lean events. They indirectly helped formulate the mission s own unique methodology for assessing schedule. A core team was selected to lead the events and report to the mission manager. Each activity leveraged specialized participants to analyze the subject matter and its related processes and then recommended alternatives and solutions. Stakeholders were the event champions. They empowered and encouraged the team to succeed. The keys to success were thorough preparation, honest dialog, small groups, adherence to the Ares I-X ground rules, and accountability through disciplined reporting and tracking of actions. This lean event formula was game-changing as demonstrated by Ares I-X. It is highly recommended as a management tool to help develop other complex systems efficiently. The key benefits for Ares I-X were obtaining unambiguous schedule margin, defining enabling options for risk reduction, and most importantly a stronger more unified team.

Askins, B. R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Gearbox bearing crack growth prognostics and uncertainty quantification with physics-informed machine learning

This paper introduces the extreme theory of functional connections (X-TFC), a physics-informed machine learning algorithm, and tailors it to estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) of wind turbine gearbox bearings experiencing fatigue crack growth. Unlike purely data-driven methods, X-TFC embeds a physics model, based on Head's theory in this work, into its training objective. The core of X-TFC is a random-projection single-layer neural network trained via an extreme learning machine, which requires only limited damage progression data and solves for output weights with a least-squares optimization algorithm. A composite loss function balances the network's fit to observed degradation data against the residuals of the governing crack growth differential equation, ensuring the learned damage trajectory remains physically plausible. When applied to a vibration-based health-index (HI) dataset measured during the growth of a crack on the inner ring of a high-speed bearing in a wind turbine gearbox (Bechhoefer and Dubé, 2020), X-TFC achieves near-zero prediction bias. Even when trained on only the first 10 %–20 % of the damage progression data, with sufficient physics weighting its predictions remain monotonic and smooth, delivering high prognosability and trendability. To quantify the epistemic uncertainty, we employ a Monte Carlo ensemble of independently initialized X-TFC models trained on noise-perturbed data, which yields confidence intervals around each RUL estimate and captures both model-parameter and epistemic uncertainty. In addition to a vibration-based HI, we demonstrate that the proposed framework can be directly applied to a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data-based HI (Eftekhari Milani et al., 2026) measured during similar wind turbine gearbox bearing crack faults, preserving its accuracy and interpretability. This extension shows the versatility of our approach, which is applicable to bearings of multiple gearbox manufacturers, models, and ratings using only SCADA data. By integrating domain knowledge with machine learning, X-TFC offers a rapid, reliable tool for crack prognostics. Its adaptability to other bearing failure modes, such as pitch bearing ring cracks, positions X-TFC as a powerful enabler of data-driven, physics-informed asset management in the wind energy sector and beyond.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Optomechanical Design of Compact Laminar Flexure Bending Mechanism for Elliptically Bent Hard X-ray Mirrors

As a part of the Argonne Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) 85E77, collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SINAP), has produced designs for a precision compact flexure bending mechanism to provide elliptically shaped 90-mm and 160-mm long hard x-ray mirrors. The design utilizes Argonne's laminar nanopositioning flexure technique. The flexure mirror bending mechanism will be incorporated into the beamline upgrade project at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF). Additionally, an Argonne Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) has adopted a modified optomechanical design of the precision compact mirror benders for 300-mm-long hard x-ray mirrors with integrated profile monitoring and feedback, which are described in this paper. The mirror benders are designed with configurations for open-loop or closed-loop controls. Capacitive sensors can be applied to the mirror benders to ensure positioning reproducibility. Design specifications as well as finite element analyses results of the compact mirror benders for hard x-ray mirrors with trapezoid and rectangular shapes are discussed in this paper.

X-ray optics, nanopositioning flexure stage↗
DOE OSTI2013

Lattice-Mismatched III-V Epilayers for High-Efficiency Photovoltaics

The project focused on development of new approaches and materials combinations to expand and improve the quality and versatility of lattice-mismatched (LMM) III-V semiconductor epilayers for use in high-efficiency multijunction photovoltaic (PV) devices. To address these goals, new capabilities for materials synthesis and characterization were established at SDSM&T that have applications in modern opto- and nano-electronics, including epitaxial crystal growth and transmission electron microscopy. Advances were made in analyzing and controlling the strain profiles and quality of compositional grades used for these technologies. In particular, quaternary compositional grades were demonstrated, and a quantitative method for characteristic X-ray analysis was developed. The project allowed enhanced collaboration between scientists at NREL and SDSM&T to address closely related research goals, including materials exchange and characterization.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1992

High time resolution studies of binary x ray pulsars

This report covers the period September 1, 1992 through August 1, 1993 for NASA grant NAG 5-1260 through the Astrophysics Data Program (ADP), for the project 'High Time Resolution Studies of Binary X-ray Pulsars'. During the past 11 months, we have concentrated on scientific analysis of the data, and have had to reanalyze several data sets, due to a newly discovered error in the unpacking of the count rate data. This error has now been corrected, but may have caused us to miss some scientific results, so we have gone back and reanalyzed the affected data sets, as well as continuing our analysis of other objects.

Cominsky, Lynn R.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Food Sanitation Device for Use in Microgravity

EDEN is a transportation/orbital habitat that carries large amounts of crew members, food, and supplies from Earth to Mars and back, but can also act as a permanent, simulated-1g-environment space station in Martian orbit. The focus of the project is to create a temporary, but long-term living environment that focuses on human health and food production. The project is composed of four major habitable parts (in addition to other major components). Moving from the center out, the first is a central core that acts as a hub that connects to the structural spokes, the main propulsion rockets and serves as a place for other spacecraft to dock onto, in addition to housing some of the basic station control, navigation and automated computer systems. The second set of parts are the spokes that connect the ring to the central core; these are the primary structural components with elevators in the middle carrying people from the ring to the core. The ‘lower’ portions, near the ring and it’s 1g environment, also act as storage centers. The third part is the 2-story outer ring This project served as an engineering senior design project at Temple University, and as part of NASA’s eXploration and Habitation (X-Hab) 2018 Academic Innovation Challenge. The goal of the project was to design, construct, and test a device which would be used in microgravity to sanitize produce. This is part of a NASA’s effort to grow and sanitize fresh produce on the International Space Station (ISS), in order to provide more nutritious meal options to the astronauts. Our team designed a 3-D printed spherical device with UV-C LEDs lining the interior. The designed device consists of an 8” spherical chamber, 10 UV-C LEDs, and a touchscreen user interface to control the device. Our design meets the project requirements by offering several features: a simple user interface, minimal crew time to operate, no waste produced, and the ability to sanitize multiple types of produce. The main reductions in Salmonella bacteria and Aspergillus Flavus mold were not verified. However, the aerobic plate count requirement was greatly exceeded and validated. Testing of the device resulted in visual results confirming significant decrease in E. coli activity with increased UV-C exposure, as well as quantitative results confirming significant reduction in CFU/g for the aerobic plate count. These reductions achieved from 1.464 x 10 7 to 2 x 10 4 CFU/g (2.86 log reduction) after 5 minutes, were significantly more than the requirements given by NASA ( of the craft, which holds all of the food production along with medical bays, a control center and a few parks. This ring also integrates the rigid keystone modules, which are the interface between the spokes, the expandable-construction portions of the ring and the habitation pods. The keystone modules also incorporate redundant, distributed ECLSS systems, medical storage, airlocks, and other integral station functions. The last parts are the habitation pods; these hold the sleeping quarters along with the bathrooms, showers, kitchen space and lounge areas. These expandable modules latch onto the keystone modules of the ring, which serves as a circulatory link between the different habitation pods.

Damien Gordon↗